In the early morning of spring, the stream of people visiting the temple unfolded in a solemn and orderly atmosphere. Incense sticks were lit, carrying simple wishes: peace for the family, success in work, and good health for loved ones.
Some seek wealth and fortune, others hope for academic progress, and some simply find peace of mind. All of this creates a unique cultural scene during the early days of the new year, where people strive for virtuous values.
This custom doesn't stem from elaborate rituals but from the need for spiritual solace. After the hustle and bustle of Tet preparations, the moment of standing before a sacred space helps many people reflect on the past year, let go of pressure, and look forward to the future. It is this meaning that keeps the tradition of visiting temples at the beginning of the year going on pilgrimages, despite the ever-changing pace of social life.
These glorious moments of early spring are captured at Thien Quang Pagoda.
Located within the special national historical site of Hung Temple, Thien Quang Pagoda is a familiar destination for many people and Buddhists every spring. In the early days of the year, the pagoda grounds are covered in the red color of couplets and lanterns, blending with the solemn smoke of incense, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and warm.
To celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year, the temple has focused on beautifying its landscape, decorating with lights, and arranging miniature scenes so that people and Buddhists can capture beautiful moments at the temple. In the cool spring morning weather, the stream of people coming to the temple grows larger and larger, encompassing all ages. Young children follow their grandparents and parents, holding incense sticks, their faces innocent yet respectful.
Visiting temples at the beginning of the year is an indispensable tradition for Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen's family (Thanh Mieu ward) every Tet holiday. Ms. Huyen shared: "Every year on the morning of the first day of Tet, after offering incense to our ancestors and wishing our grandparents a happy new year, my family always goes to the temple to offer incense and pray for peace, wealth, and good fortune."
My family believes that going to temples at the beginning of the year is not only about making heartfelt wishes, but also about immersing ourselves in a spiritual space and temporarily forgetting the difficulties of life.
Despite the increasingly modern and civilized lifestyle, the custom of visiting temples at the beginning of the year remains cherished and maintained by my family for generations.
A large number of people and Buddhist followers visited Hoa Binh Phat Quang Pagoda to offer prayers at the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
Nestled at the foot of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric dam, right next to the majestic Da River, Hoa Binh Phat Quang Pagoda attracts a large number of people and Buddhist followers from Hoa Binh ward as well as other communes and wards in the Hoa Binh area to worship Buddha on the first day of spring.
Speaking to us, Mr. Tran Van Minh (Group 1, Ky Son Ward) said: "Going to the temple is primarily to pray for health, happiness, and success in work; secondly, to enjoy the scenery because of the spacious, green, and refreshing atmosphere. From the courtyard of Thuong Temple, you can take in the majestic Da River, the developing Hoa Binh Ward, and the peaceful bridges connecting the two banks. This space, this landscape, and especially the tranquility and peace at the temple help me relax after a busy year; it gives me more spirit and energy to start the new year."
Beyond its religious significance, visiting temples at the beginning of the year is a beautiful cultural tradition that helps to strengthen the bonds between generations within families and communities. Many families take their children and grandchildren to temples early in the morning as a way of passing on traditional values through direct experience.
Older generations see this as an opportunity to maintain familiar routines, while younger generations approach customs as a chance to learn about their cultural roots. This continuity contributes to maintaining the practice in modern life.
After the stressful and busy days of preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year), seeking solace in a spiritual space helps stabilize the mind and create a sense of auspiciousness for the new year.
In reality, the majority of people who go to temples choose simple, civilized forms of worship, avoiding ostentation, showing that the custom is adapting to a changing social context while still preserving its core values. In recent years, as the general level of education has increased, the "culture of going to temples" has also undergone positive changes.
Most women visiting temples at the beginning of the spring season choose to wear traditional ao dai or Buddhist robes, while men wear suits or formal attire. The chaotic scenes, touting, and begging in front of temples have almost completely disappeared.
The activity of requesting calligraphy and praying for peace at Hoa Binh Phat Quang Temple.
Besides praying for good fortune and peace, many people and Buddhists who come to the temple, after performing the rituals, have engaged in a beautiful cultural tradition: "asking for calligraphy." The image of calligraphers with ink and red paper, carefully crafting each stroke, creates a unique cultural beauty at the temple gates.
The most frequently requested characters, such as "Heart," "Patience," "Peace," "Goodness," "Filial Piety," and "Wisdom," are all core values in Buddhist teachings and moral principles. Hanging a beautiful character in the home at the beginning of the year is not only for decoration but also serves as a reminder for each family member to live virtuously and maintain inner peace amidst the ever-changing currents of life.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the tranquil atmosphere of temples remains a spiritual refuge for many. Therefore, visiting temples at the beginning of the Lunar New Year is not just a custom, but also a vibrant expression of cultural and spiritual life, where people strengthen their faith, strive towards good things, and prepare themselves mentally for the journey ahead.
Willow
Source: https://baophutho.vn/ngay-xuan-di-le-chua-248107.htm
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